Hey all, Dani here.
I actually really enjoy re-reading books, especially when it has been a few years since the last time. In most cases I remember the big plot and character details, but other than that it is like reading the book for the first time again, which is just fun for me. So today’s review is a book that I read and reviewed years ago…long before I started this blog, so I no longer actually have a review ready to go. And since I read it such a while ago, it honestly almost felt like I had never read this book before.
Let’s jump into the review.
Summary
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.
When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.
Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.
My Thoughts
Rating: 5 stars
It had been a few years since I last picked up this book, and while I remembered the basics of the characters and plot, a vast majority of this story felt completely new to me. I guess that’s what happens when you prioritize reading so much that you end up reading 130-150 books or so each year. We can only retain so many specific details and so we box them up in favor of remembering more recent reads.
But you know what? I’m glad that I forgot a lot of this book. It allowed me to enjoy it as if it was a first time read. Never mind the fact that I also have the vivid awareness that this series was supposed to continue on (and I’m still waiting for the third book). Richelle Mead said she might write it and self-publish or something, so I’m not giving up hope. Of course, this also makes me want to pick up the second book and read it again.
I just feel that this is such an interesting future take on our world. The way the cultures have evolved and blended is intriguing, and frankly the political and religious landscapes are probably the primary focus of the world. Obviously aside from the main group of characters. But to see a world where religious groups went a little crazed and now all religion is monitored and regulated, is especially intriguing considering the current world landscape.
Mae is an awesome, badass, beautiful, and an all around smart warrior woman, Justin is charming and analytical and observant, and Tessa is a very perceptive teenager who is pretty much Justin’s protege. I love the character interactions, especially as things start to get more complicated because of the gods who are waiting in the wings, ready to take back their world.
There are so many different religions and mythologies that show up in this novel and it was utterly fascinating.
Where to Buy
You can pick up your own copy of this book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local independent bookstore.
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